Test BMW Z4 100,000 km: Z to capsize?

Possibly the most surprising part of this 100,000 km test of the BMW Z4 is that even the most conservative drivers and fans of classic motors have made their peace with BMW’s downsizing policy. “I never thought I’d say this,” writes one of our companions in the travel book: “But the Z4 doesn’t really need a six-cylinder.”

Currently, only the top-of-the-range model, the 340 hp M40i, is the only one with a six-cylinder engine. But “with a weight of 120 kg less, the four-cylinder sDrive30i is probably the sportiest car. And it’s fast enough with 258 hp.”

And he’s not the only one who thinks so. Shortly after arriving in our garage in September 2019, the BMW roadster started receiving compliments from everyone: “Almost everything on this car is a joy,” says Dirk Branke, Deputy Test Manager at AUTO BILD in Germany.

And Henning Hinze, who regularly writes about classic cars for AUTO BILD KLASSIK magazine, notes: “It fits like a glove! I have no idea why there are other types of cars, except those designed to pull a trailer. I just would have preferred the “artificial” sound and design to have a little more personality.

Good response and ‘low’ consumption

Naturally, this 4.32-meter-long two-seater with red leather upholstery has not only conquered the hearts of testers for its design, but also in the dynamic section. “It’s amazing how it behaves in the corners,” says Alexander Bernt.

The turbo engine has a dream response: it revs quite high, but also pushes very hard from the bottom (400 Nm of torque from just 1,550 rpm). In addition, with an average consumption of 8.0 liters per 100 kilometers, it cannot be said that it spends too much in view of what is offered.

The quick and direct, but not too nervous, direction works like a good secretary: everything the boss needs is ready almost before he asks for it.

We’ve also loved the adaptive M suspension, which gives it a sporty, firm, light and just-right response when you’re moving around corners. And it is even more surprising that the Z4 also shows virtues that one would not expect in a car of its characteristics.

For example, the trunk offers a capacity of 281 litres. Not only is that 101 liters more than its predecessor that was replaced in 2018, but it also has a practical design and enough depth, allowing you to carry all the necessary luggage of a couple on vacation.

It is not surprising that there was a waiting list to be able to enjoy our BMW Z4 on weekends, bridges and holidays. It is even capable of carrying a bulk purchase of beverages and refreshments. That clearly positions him as the number one candidate for singles or couples who want to party.

Purists like test writer Malte Büttner applaud its long bonnet, calling it a kind of “compensation for classic roadster fans”.

Seen the seen, after the time in which BMW chose to mount the hardtop on its predecessor Z4 E 89 (on sale between the years 2009 and 2016), it seems that they have done everything right, including the decision to remount the roof canvas, which saves space and has more glamour.

Its appeal is almost exclusively of an emotional nature, although it remains true that the acoustic insulation is exemplary and the material is not only weather resistant, but also very close to the qualities of a sheet metal ceiling.

The opening time is only ten seconds, which invites you to take advantage of it in winter. This was certainly welcome at our Hamburg headquarters, as it is a notoriously humid city.

Clearly bad weather isn’t much of a challenge for the Z4, even when it gets really rough. This was verified by one of our colleagues, who got stuck in a heavy snowstorm on the A 81 motorway between Heilbronn and Würzburg in 2020.

He would have loved to have had all-wheel drive at the time, but was amazed at how the Z4’s rear-wheel drive handled and allowed him to get away despite rolling on such a slippery surface.

Apart from all this, it should be noted that the Z4 did not have any mechanical problems during this entire 100,000 km test. He never had to go to the workshop for a breakdown and we only visited him for maintenance checks.

Even after complete disassembly of the vehicle, even the strict eyes of Dekra’s technicians failed to reveal any major flaws or significant wear.

It could be said that the slight abrasion that has occurred in one of the lateral petals of the driver’s seat is a logical venial sin after the trot that this unit has had in such a short space of time.

The fact that 100,000 kilometers have not left a trace on the mats or on the steering wheel rim speaks to the quality of the materials used.

Considering the base price, which now sits at just over €56,000, the quality of fit and materials is actually a matter of honor, not something to be questioned.

The final mark obtained by this Z4 sDrive 30i is 9.8. It does not reach perfection due to small criticisms that our colleagues have noted in the travel log, such as the slight creaking of the dashboard or the lens of the reversing camera, whose position makes it easy to get dirty.

Some of our colleagues also found it annoying that the navigator led them to deviate several times from the ideal route, although others would have loved to get lost in a car like the Z4, because as they say: the journey is the reward. And no other better than the Z4 to enjoy driving.

My opinion

The BMW Z4 has passed this 100,000 km test with no mechanical failures and hardly any wear. The fun factor, the option of being able to use it even on a daily basis and the quality are extra points that are very much in its favor. So it really deserves a note as high as the one obtained.